Most of us have preconceived notions about biker “gangs” and we certainly don’t think it’s appropriate for children to join them.

But there’s one band of bikers that stands out from the rest. This badass group of men and women are part of BACA, or Bikers Against Child Abuse.

BACA is both a group of fiercely protective bikers and a formal nonprofit organization dedicated to keeping kids safe.

It was founded over 20 years ago by a social worker named John Paul Lily (who goes by “Chief”) after seeing the mind-bending trauma that kids go through during and after various kinds of abuse.

And there’s no vigilante justice here – BACA works with local and state agencies who are charged with protecting children. But that doesn’t mean they’re not there to intimidate. According to their website:

“We desire to send a clear message to all involved with the abused child that this child is part of our organization, and that we are prepared to lend our physical and emotional support to them by affiliation, and our physical presence. We stand at the ready to shield these children from further abuse. We do not condone the use of violence or physical force in any manner, however, if circumstances arise such that we are the only obstacle preventing a child from further abuse, we stand ready to be that obstacle.”

In other words, you better not mess with a kid who has their backing.

And not just anyone can join the organization – it requires real commitment and a vow to protect. Bikers must ride for a year with a local chapter before they can apply for formal membership. They are all vetted and undergo background checks.

No one is paid – but everyone is expected to put the children first. Any child referred to BACA through a child protection organization can expect to be assigned two “primaries” who are available 24/7 to keep them safe.

A member who goes by the name “Thumper” (real names aren’t used in order to protect members) said. “It’s asked, ‘are you prepared to take a bullet for a child?’ We mean it.”

There are various levels of intervention for BACA riders. The first involves a group of bikers riding to the child’s home to show their support and giving them some BACA swag to welcome them to the group. If their guardians agree, the child will get to go out for a ride with them as well.

If a child is still afraid, or their abuser refuses to back down, BACA will set up an around-the-clock presence so the child is never alone.

They’ll also notify police of any of the suspect’s actions and conduct “neighborhood awareness rides” along the street where the suspect lives.

“Police can’t do this. CPS, Child Protective Services can’t do this. A volunteer organization like us can — we can protect that child 24/7,” said “Falcon,” president of the Long Island chapter of BACA.

They’ll also show up in cases where a child has to testify in court against their abuser. Their goal is to be a source of support during what is an unspeakably traumatizing moment when a child must face their attacker again.

“Breaking the chains of abuse is a focal point … it’s by empowering these kids, letting them know we’re here for them, they can lean on us, take from us whatever they need to—physically and emotionally—to help them get over that so they don’t make the same mistake,” Thumper explained to Inside Edition.

And as you might imagine, this kind of work can take its toll on these protectors, so they’re very careful to watch out for the mental health of their fellow bikers as well.

Be sure to scroll down below to learn more about this incredible organization.

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Source: BACAWorld.org, Inside Edition, Bikers Against Child Abuse International via YouTube